Authentic Mexican Tinga Chicken Recipe for Flavorful Meals

If you love the taste of Mexican cuisine, then this classic Mexican Tinga chicken recipe will be the perfect crowd-pleasing dish for any event. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is super easy to make, and the end result is a flavorful and satisfying entree that will quickly become a family favorite.

The word “Tinga” translates to “stew” or “smoky” in Nahuatl, and this dish is an iconic Mexican specialty. It combines the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers with the spicy kick of adobo, with juicy chicken, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. It is typically served as a hearty stew, and it’s a great one-pot recipe for an easy meal.

Ingredients

When you learn how to make authentic Mexican Tinga chicken, you’ll see that the ingredients are fairly basic. You will need the following:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2-3 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of smoked salt½ teaspoon of black pepper

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the onion for a few minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and all of the spices. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and add any extra seasonings to taste, if needed.

This authentic Mexican Tinga chicken can be served in a variety of ways. It’s great as a topping for tacos, burritos, and tostadas, or served over rice or fluffy mashed potatoes. You can also use it as a filling for enchiladas or as a delicious sandwich spread.

Storage and Serving Tips

If you have extras, Tinga chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or a pot on the stove. You can also freeze Tinga chicken for up to 3 months. To defrost, just place the airtight container in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat as desired.

When serving this classic Mexican recipe, you can garnish with some chopped fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, or a few lime wedges for a little extra flavor. Enjoy!

Conclusion

This authentic Mexican Tinga chicken recipe is super easy to make, and it’s a great way to bring the tastes of Mexico into your kitchen. The smoky flavor of chipotle peppers and the spicy kick of adobo make this dish a winner. Serve it over rice or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or tostadas for a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. Enjoy!